Bucket hats and booney hats are two of the most commonly confused types of outdoor headwear. This mix-up is understandable, as both share similar size, shape, and materials. However, each hat offers distinct features, setting them apart in both style and functionality.
What’s the difference between bucket hats and booney hats?
There are a few key distinctions:
Booney hats have wider brims, offering more shade coverage.
Bucket hats feature taller crowns, allowing for more styling flexibility—they can sit high on the head or be pulled down closer to the eyes.
Booney hats may include neck capes, while bucket hats typically do not.
Unlike bucket hats, booney hats often come with chin straps for added security.
How do the performance features differ?
Both hats are suitable for outdoor activities, but booney hats generally offer more performance-driven features, making them ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, paddleboarding, and other outdoor pursuits. Bucket hats, on the other hand, are often seen in urban settings as well.
While bucket hats can be worn for outdoor activities like hiking, they are also designed for casual wear around town, giving them more versatility. Booney hats, however, are more specifically suited for rugged outdoor adventures, such as hiking trails or river trips.
Bucket hats are also versatile in different weather conditions and can be worn year-round, including in rain. In fact, they’ve almost become a modern alternative to ball caps.
One key performance feature of many booney hats is UPF sun protection. These hats are often made with fabrics that use special technologies to block UV rays, providing extra protection during prolonged sun exposure.
The advantage of UPF protection in booney hats is that you don’t have to reapply sunscreen repeatedly. It’s a convenient way to ensure sun protection without constant reapplication.
Bucket hats can also be made with sun-protective fabrics, as well as water-resistant materials for added rain protection. However, these features are less common in bucket hats, which are often worn more casually around town. That said, some booney hats also feature water-resistant fabrics.
Booney hats often incorporate cooling technologies like Omni-Freeze Zero or Omni-Freeze Zero Ice, along with moisture-wicking properties. These features help prevent overheating and wick away sweat, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Another performance feature of booney hats is ventilation, which is especially useful in hot weather. This is typically achieved through mesh panels or vents that promote airflow. Mesh panels are usually found in a ring around the crown, while vents are often hidden by a flap. These built-in vents help keep you cool during outdoor activities.
Bucket hats may also have vents built into the crown, but this is less common compared to booney hats.
What fabrics are bucket hats and booney hats made from?
Nylon is often the preferred fabric for both types of hats due to its durability and breathability. It's also a versatile material that allows designers to easily add components like mesh panels or vents for enhanced cooling. Hats made from a nylon-polyester blend offer even greater breathability.
Are bucket hats and booney hats different in terms of style?
Traditionally, bucket hats are known for their fun, colorful styles and patterns. In contrast, booney hats have typically been made in neutral, solid colors. However, booney hats are now available in a wider range of colors and creative patterns, including camo designs for hunters, angler-themed prints for fishing, and even collegiate logo designs to show off school spirit.
FAQ:
Why do fishermen wear bucket hats?
Bucket hats have a classic, functional design that fishermen appreciate. The sloped brim is perfect for keeping rain off their faces, while the flexible fabric allows them to easily roll up the hat and tuck it into a pocket when it’s not needed.
Why do hunters wear booney hats?
Hunters often prefer booney hats because of their resemblance to safari hats. Unlike safari hats, which have a stiff crown and rigid brim, booney hats offer more comfort due to their flexibility, and their portability makes them convenient for use on the trail.
Why are booney hats popular?
Booney hats gained popularity after being adopted by the military, replacing standard field caps. They became especially useful in hot climates, offering protection from the sun and preventing overheating. Their rollable, packable design appeals to both soldiers and civilians.
Why are bucket hats popular?
Bucket hats surged in popularity during the 1980s and 1990s and are now considered a retro style. Millennials find them nostalgic, while Gen Z sees them as fun and youthful. Plus, their affordability and vibrant patterns make them a stylish accessory.
Why is it called a bucket hat?
Bucket hats are named for their shape, which resembles an inverted water bucket.
Why is it called a booney hat?
The name "booney" comes from the word "boondocks," which refers to remote, rural areas where this type of hat was originally worn by military personnel.
